Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens

Major duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
Assigning work, monitoring clinical performances of staff, resolving staff conflicts which may interfere with the delivery of services, identifying continuing education and training needs, preparing performance standards and ratings. Interviewing candidates for positions and recommending appointments, advancements, or administering disciplinary actions, when appropriate.
Ensuring compliance with the accrediting agency and regulatory requirements, establishing and monitoring the quality of the processes, and assessment of assigned staff.
Developing policies and procedures, developing performance standards, position descriptions and functional statements.
Professional and administrative management of Recreation Therapy staff.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/07/2019.
Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:
  (a) A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure, with an option and/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC);
  OR,
  (b) A bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university and must be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). The degree must be approved by the NCTRC
• Certification. Required Certification - Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met:
Creditable Experience - Supervisory Recreation Therapist, GS-12
(a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have two years of progressively complex experience, which includes one-year equivalent to the next lower grade directly related to the position being filled.
AND,
(b) Certification. Additional certification in a specialty treatment area in recreation therapy, such as, but not limited to: Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health, Community Inclusion Services, Aquatic Exercise Therapy/Aquatic Therapy, Adapted Sports, Assisted Technology, Social Skills, etc., or in a directly related field such as, but not limited to: acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, dementia, dialectical behavioral therapy, gambling disorder, motivational interviewing, and/or wellness recovery action plan facilitator.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service.
Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.

References: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60, June 7, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12

Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to perform the duties of Supervisory Recreation Therapist.Physical requirements may include: heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); heavy carrying (45 pounds and over); pushing; use of fingers; walking (up to eight hours); standing (up to eight hours); repeated bending; kneeling; near vision correctable at 13: to 16: Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades or colors; hearing (aid permitted).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.